RABAUL, Papua New Guinea (29 Nov 2000) -- Polynesians living in the Duke of York atolls are being forced to leave as their islands gradually sink into the Pacific Ocean. Tectonic plate activity is sinking the islands and causing strong earthquakes, huge tidal waves and volcanic eruptions. At only three to four meters above sea level, the islands are sinking into the sea at a rate of 30cm per year. The first group to be evacuated will be residents of Duke of York Island, the largest of the 13 atolls. Over 500 people will be moved to a plantation on the neighboring island of New Britain. | | Eventually, all 40,000 people living on atolls in the region will have to be resettled. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
